This compares to a 50 - 40 percent Clinton lead over McCain in a March 21 poll by the
independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University. In that survey, Obama topped McCain
49 - 38 percent. A look at subgroups in the latest survey shows:

"In presidential politics, New York shows the same ethnic split that we've seen in other
states. Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama beat Sen. John McCain by double digits - but
that's because of the loyalty of black voters. She splits the white vote with McCain. Obama
loses it," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

New York State voters split 48 - 45 percent in their favorable/unfavorable opinion of
Clinton. Obama gets a 50 - 31 percent favorability, with 46 - 36 percent for McCain.

Clinton's favorability is down from 53 - 40 percent March 21, and at her lowest level in
New York State in more than a year. But voters approve 62 - 31 percent of the job she's doing
as Senator.

The economy is the most important issue in deciding how they will vote in November, 44
percent of New York State voters say, with 24 percent who list the war in Iraq and 12 percent
who list health care.

The single most important quality in a candidate is leadership, 29 percent, with 26 percent
looking for someone who is trustworthy and 25 percent looking for competence.

Looking at the election issues:

21 percent of voters say New York State's economy is "excellent" or "good," while 78
percent say the economy is "not so good" or "poor."

Voters say 69 - 26 percent that going to war in Iraq was the wrong thing to do. Fifty
percent of voters say set a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal, while 24 percent say keep
U.S. troops in Iraq as long as needed and 23 percent say withdraw all troops as soon as
possible.

It's the government's responsibility to make sure everyone in the U.S. has adequate health
care, voters say 70 - 28 percent.

"And just for the record: New Yorkers still don't think much of President Bush or of the
decision to go into Iraq."

From April 14 - 15, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,257 New York State voters with a
margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the
nation as a public service and for research.

1. If the 2008 election for President were being held today, and the candidates
were Hillary Clinton the Democrat and John McCain the Republican, for whom would
you vote?

TREND: Which of the following will be the single most important issue in your
vote in the election for President this year - terrorism, the war in Iraq, the
economy, illegal immigration, or health care?

18. When you decide how to vote for president, which of the following is the
single most important quality you look for in a candidate - Trustworthy, shares
your values, a strong leader, competent or inspiring?